Customizable Cleaning Tool with a Unique Special and Dimensional Arrangement of Channels to Facilitate Customization

ABSTRACT

A customizable cleaning tool having channels with a receiving configuration for receiving a cleaning element comprising a coupling end having a coupling configuration complementary to the receiving configuration and an agitation end.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/160,372, filed May 12, 2015, the contents of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a customizable, modular cleaning tool. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cleaning tool having a plurality of channels for receiving interchangeable cleaning elements for different cleaning applications.

BACKGROUND

Different types of cleaning brushes are utilized in different industries and for use in different applications depending on the material or surface being washed, scrubbed, wiped or otherwise cleaned. Due to the specialized nature of cleaning tools for different industries or applications, cleaning tools presently cannot be easily adapted for use in different industries or applications. For example, a cleaning brush having a soft, fiber pad preferable for washing a vehicle cannot be adapted for washing the windows of a building, as a window washing tool would typically comprise brush bristles or squeegees. Instead, a homeowner seeking to clean both his car and his house windows will need different cleaning tools for each application.

Typically cleaning tools are integrally formed as a single, non-adjustable unit wherein the brushes, squeegee, pad or other cleaning element is permanently fitted to the cleaning tool. Thus, if any portion of the cleaning tool fails, for example, the outer bristles on a brush that are most likely to wear, then the entire cleaning tool must be replaced.

Thus, because manufacturers provide the entirety of the cleaning tool, such tools are manufactured for particular industries or applications and offer little to no customization of the kind, size or number of cleaning elements, such as the type of brush bristles, squeegee blades or fiber pads, for example.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved customizable cleaning tool permitting interchangeability of different cleaning elements that can be used in different industries and application with ease.

SUMMARY

The present invention broadly includes a cleaning tool master having a plurality of channels for receiving interchangeable cleaning elements for different cleaning applications. The cleaning tool may contain end caps attached to each end of the master that also contain a plurality of channels for receiving interchangeable cleaning elements.

In an embodiment, the cleaning tool also comprises a fluid delivery system whereby a cleaning agent, water, or other solution is delivered to the master and cleaning elements via tubing to assist in the cleaning process. The channels are adapted to receive the tubing of the fluid delivery system and the end caps may also be connected to the fluid delivery tube to facilitate the delivery of liquid to the edges of the item being cleaned. The tubing also contains a plurality of nozzles to dispense the fluid.

The aspects, advantages, features, and details of the present disclosure will be further understood in consideration of the following detailed description of certain embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected, there are illustrated in the accompanying drawings embodiments thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning tool depicted in FIG. 1, taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a modular cleaning element for use with the cleaning tool depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an optionally assembled cleaning tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and will herein be described in detail, embodiments, including a preferred embodiment, of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to embodiments illustrated. As used herein, the term “present invention” is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention and is instead a term used to discuss exemplary embodiments of the invention for explanatory purposes only.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of the cleaning tool 10 of the present invention is shown. The cleaning tool 10 includes a master 20 including a plurality of channels 60, each channel 60 adapted to receive a cleaning element 70.

As shown in FIG. 1, master 20 has a generally planar rectangular shape. Master 20 may also have a generally arcuate cross-section, as can be seen in FIG. 2, in order to increase the overall surface area of the cleaning tool 10. It will be understood by one skilled in the art that a number of different shapes of master 20 may be within the scope of the present invention, including a planar circular, cylindrical or spherical master 20. Master 20 is preferably made of extruded aluminum. Master 20 may also be made from other metal, metal alloy, plastic, thermoplastic or other polymer material.

In an embodiment, caps 30 are connected to master 20 at each end. Caps 30 are generally planar and are slidably engageable with receiving means on master 20. Caps 30 may be semicircular, square, rectangular or an irregular shape. The connection between caps 30 and master 20 may be further strengthened by screws, fasteners or other connection means. Caps 30 and master 20 are generally co-planar. In an embodiment, caps 30 may have a generally arcuate shape relative master 20. Caps 30 are preferably made from a thermoplastic or other polymer material so as to prevent scratching of the surface being cleaned. Caps 30 may also assist in carrying and dispensing fluid carried by the fluid delivery system, discussed more fully below.

Master 20 includes a connector 40 configured to connect master 20 to an arm, pole or handle 50. Connector 40 may include threads, teeth or other commonly known connection means to permit the cleaning tool 10 to be used with different known poles, handles, extenders or other apparatus useful for cleaning depending upon the industry or application.

Master 20 and caps 30 further respectively include a plurality of spaced apart, transverse channels 60. Channels 60 may run longitudinally or laterally along master 20. Channels 60 may be integrally formed within master 20 by extrusion, cutting, carving, etching, milling or molding the master material. The master 20 may be configured with any number of channels 60 depending upon the size and shape of master 20. Channels 60 may set at radial angles relative master 20 to increase cleaning surface area.

As seen in FIG. 2, in an embodiment, channels 60 have a generally rectangular cross sectional shape and contain flanges 65. Channels 60 with other cross sectional shapes, such as U-shaped or C-shaped may also be used. Channels 60 are configured to receive and secure a cleaning element 70.

As seen in FIG. 3, in an embodiment, cleaning elements 70 are elongated, each having a coupling end 72 and agitation end 74 extending from the coupling end 72. The coupling end 72 is adapted to be received by the channels 70, having a cross-sectional shape or configuration complementary to the cross sectional shape of channels 70. Thus, coupling end 72 can slidably and frictionally engage with channel 60 and is retained within channel 60 by flanges 65. In an embodiment, coupling end is composed of a metal, metal alloy, thermoplastic, nylon or other material permitting coupling end 72 and channels 60 to fit tightly and prevent motion of cleaning element 70 when using the cleaning tool 10.

The agitation end 74 may be made from a variety of materials. For example, agitation end 74 as shown in FIG. 3 comprises a continuous row of brush bristles. Agitation end 74 may be made from different materials depending upon the intended application, such as animal hair like goat or horse hair, synthetic hair such as nylon or polyester, or wire bristles. Agitation end 74 may also be a squeegee blade, fiber cloth, sponge or other material suitable for cleaning, wiping, scrubbing, dusting, polishing or the like. Additionally, agitation ends 74 of a single or multiple cleaning elements 70 may include bristles of different diameter, length and material.

Cleaning elements 70 are configured to respectively fit within the transverse longitudinal channels 60 of master 20. Cleaning elements 70 of a different size, shape or type may be configured to fit within channels 60 of caps 30, or may be configured to fit between channels 60 used in conjunction with both master 20 and caps 30.

Cleaning tool 10 also includes a fluid delivery system whereby a cleaning agent, water or other liquid solution is delivered to master 20 and cleaning elements 70 via a tubing network to assist in the cleaning process, such as when cleaning tool 10 is used for cleaning windows. The fluid for the fluid delivery system may be sourced from a container or other receptacle (not pictured) integral with or contained on pole or handle 50. Depending on the application for which cleaning tool 10 is used, the fluid may optionally be sourced from an independent source, such as a hose or sink. Regardless of the fluid source, the fluid is delivered to the master 20 via junction 85 mounted on master 20. Junction 85 maybe any mechanical device that joins the tubing 80, such as a splitter, as well as a device that blocks the tubing partially or completely to change the amount of fluid that passes through, such as a valve.

The fluid is then further delivered to the master 20 and amongst each of the cleaning elements 70 via tubing 80 such as that depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. Each of channels 60 is adapted to receive a tube 80 that is sized to fit interchangeably within the channels 60 depending upon the intended cleaning application. In an embodiment, tube 80 is retained in the outermost channel around the periphery of master 20, though different configurations of tube 80 within different channels 60 will function. The embodiment may also incorporate a central transverse channel 60 containing a portion of the tubing. Caps 30 may also be connected to the fluid delivery tube 80 to facilitate the delivery of liquid to the outer surfaces of the item being cleaned.

In an embodiment, tubing 80 also contains a plurality of nozzles, jets or spouts 90 whereby the fluid in tubing 80 is dispensed. Nozzles 90 may line the portion of the tubing 80 around the periphery of the master 20. In an embodiment, nozzles 90 are also located along a central, internal portion of tubing 80.

As seen in FIG. 4, a user may select from a variation of different cleaning elements 70 in order to assemble the cleaning tool 10 desired for the intended cleaning function. Different types and sizes of cleaning elements 70 may be used independently or in conjunction with cleaning elements of a different type and size.

As discussed herein, the term “coupled” is intended to refer to any connection, direct or indirect, and is not limited to a direct connection between two or more elements of the disclosed invention. Similarly, “operatively coupled” is not intended to mean any direct connection, physical or otherwise, and is merely intended to define an arrangement where two or more elements communicate through some operative means (e.g., through conductive or convective heat transfer, or otherwise). The term “coupled” can mean, in some embodiments, two objects being integral with one another.

The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of the inventors' contribution. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A customizable cleaning tool, comprising: a master, channels integrally disposed on the master and each having a receiving configuration, and interchangeable cleaning components each having a coupling end with a coupling configuration complementary to the receiving configuration and an agitation end, wherein the cleaning components are respectively slidably engageable within each of the channels via the receiving configuration of the channels and the coupling configuration of the coupling end.
 2. The customizable cleaning tool of claim 1, further comprising a fluid delivery system containing a tube retained within the channels for conveying a cleaning solution.
 3. The customizable cleaning tool of claim 2, wherein the tube includes a jet for dispensing the cleaning solution.
 4. The customizable cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the agitation end of the cleaning components includes brush bristles.
 5. The customizable cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the agitation end of the cleaning components includes a squeegee blade.
 6. The customizable cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the agitation end of the cleaning component includes a fiber pad.
 7. The customizable cleaning tool of claim 1, further comprising end caps attached to each end of the master, wherein the end caps each include transverse cap channels having respective receiving configurations.
 8. The customizable cleaning tool of claim 7, wherein the cleaning component is slidably engageable within the cap channels via the receiving configuration of the cap channels and the coupling configuration of the coupling end.
 9. A customizable cleaning tool, comprising: a master, channels integrally disposed on the master and each having a receiving configuration, interchangeable, modular cleaning components each having a coupling end with a coupling configuration complementary to the receiving configuration and an agitation end, end caps attached to each end of the master, wherein the end caps each include transverse cap channels having respective receiving configurations, and a fluid delivery system containing a tube retained within the channels for conveying a cleaning solution and at least one jet for dispensing the cleaning solution, wherein the cleaning components are respectively slidably engageable within each of the channels and cap channels via the receiving configuration of the channels and cap channels and the coupling configuration of the coupling end. 